Medical Treatment: Advance Directives

Further to the Answer by Lord Williams of Mostyn on 20 November 1997 (H.L. Deb., cols. 742–44), whether they will introduce a measure to give legal effect to advance directives, where the clinical circumstances are such as the patient has considered.

The Law Commission Report on Mental Incapacity published in 1995 includes recommendations relating to advance statements (sometimes referred to as advance directives). As I indicated in my Written Answer to the noble Lord, Lord Peston, on 23 October 1997, the Government do not consider that it would be appropriate to legislate on the basis of these recommendations without fresh public consultation. It is hoped that a consultation paper will he issued shortly.